August is one of the liveliest months around Loch Lomond. Highland gatherings, local markets, open-water swimming and summer cruises are all on the calendar, while the long days leave plenty of time for walking and exploring.
If you are staying near Tarbet or Arrochar, you can combine relaxed days beside the loch with trips to Balloch, Helensburgh, Stirling and Dunoon. Here are some of the best events and days out currently planned for August 2026.
August 2026 events at a glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 2 August | Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market | Balloch |
| Friday 7–Monday 10 August | Helensburgh Art Club Annual Exhibition | Helensburgh |
| Saturday 8 August | Helensburgh Market in the Square | Helensburgh |
| Saturday 8–Sunday 9 August | Around the World Market | Loch Lomond Shores |
| Saturday 15 August | Stirling Highland Games | Stirling |
| Sunday 16 August | Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market | Balloch |
| Thursday 27–Saturday 29 August | Cowal Highland Gathering | Dunoon |
| Saturday 29 August | Helensburgh Market in the Square | Helensburgh |
| Saturday 29 August | Go Swim Loch Lomond | Balloch |
| Sunday 30 August | Pedal Trossachs | Stirling |
What’s on around Loch Lomond this August
Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market
Held beside Loch Lomond at Balloch, this twice-monthly market brings together local food, drink, crafts and gifts.
It is an easy event to combine with a walk along the shore or a visit to the shops and attractions at Loch Lomond Shores. Entry to the market is free.
Helensburgh Art Club Annual Exhibition
The Helensburgh Art Club Annual Exhibition returns to Victoria Halls with work by artists from Helensburgh and the surrounding area.
The exhibition is scheduled to open from 9am until 5pm each day, with extended opening until 7pm on Friday 7 August. It is a particularly useful choice if the west-coast weather decides not to cooperate.
Around the World Market at Loch Lomond Shores
The Around the World Market brings international food, flavours and crafts to Loch Lomond Shores for the weekend.
Admission is free, no ticket is required and the market is listed as dog friendly. It should make a relaxed family day out, particularly when combined with some time beside the loch.
Helensburgh Market in the Square
Colquhoun Square hosts a friendly outdoor market featuring seasonal produce, baking, seafood, meat, cheese, crafts and gifts.
Helensburgh is also a pleasant place for a waterfront walk, coffee or lunch, so the market can easily form part of a longer day out.
Stirling Highland Games
Stirling Highland Games offers a full day of Scottish sporting tradition, with heavyweight athletics, performers, clan heritage and family entertainment.
Around 8,000 visitors are expected, so advance tickets and a little travel planning are sensible. This is one of the month’s best choices if you would like to experience a traditional Highland Games while visiting the area.
Cowal Highland Gathering
The Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon is one of the largest Highland gatherings in the world. Its programme traditionally includes competitive piping, Highland dancing, athletics and family entertainment.
The gathering attracts thousands of visitors, making it a memorable but busy day trip. Check transport arrangements, sailing times and tickets well in advance.
Go Swim Loch Lomond
Go Swim Loch Lomond takes place at Balloch and offers organised open-water swimming challenges across several distances, from a 250-metre course through to 10 kilometres. Aquathlon options are also available.
This is an organised participation event rather than a casual swimming session, so entrants should read the safety rules, age requirements, equipment guidance and wetsuit policy carefully before booking.
See distances and entry information. If you are not taking part, Balloch may be busier than usual around the event area.
Pedal Trossachs
Pedal Trossachs is a charity cycling event starting from Stirling, with approximately 25, 50 and 100-mile route choices.
The routes are intended for different experience levels, although every rider should review the course, equipment requirements and fundraising arrangements before entering.
Take a cruise from Tarbet
You do not need a major event to enjoy a memorable August day. Tarbet Pier is the starting point for several cruises and waterbus journeys on northern Loch Lomond.
The Tarbet Circular Cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes views towards the Arrochar Alps and Inversnaid.
Walkers can also investigate the Tarbet to Inversnaid waterbus or selected Tarbet to Rowardennan sailings.
August sailings can be popular, and parking near Tarbet Pier is limited at busy times. Booking ahead and checking the latest timetable is recommended.
Walking around Arrochar and Tarbet
August’s longer daylight hours are excellent for exploring the local hills and lochside paths.
The Cobbler is the area’s best-known mountain, but it is a substantial outing requiring suitable footwear, waterproof clothing, navigation skills and a careful weather check. Easier local walks are available if you prefer a gentler day.
Conditions can change quickly, even in summer. Carry layers, water and food, and choose a route suitable for everyone in your group.
What to pack for Loch Lomond in August
Scottish summer weather rarely commits to just one idea, so it pays to prepare for sunshine and rain on the same day.
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Warm layers for cooler evenings
- Midge repellent
- Sun cream
- A reusable water bottle
- A small day bag
- Swim equipment only where appropriate and permitted
Looking ahead to September
The Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is scheduled for Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026 at Loch Lomond Shores. If your stay crosses into September, it is well worth adding to your plans.
Stay near Loch Lomond, Tarbet and Arrochar
Loch Lomond Holiday Lets offers three self-catering cottages near Tarbet and Arrochar, each sleeping up to six guests:
The cottages provide a comfortable base for cruises from Tarbet, walks around Arrochar and day trips throughout Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.